Private fostering

Historically, parents, for the protection of the family consisted of mum, dad and children, but today, this isn't always the easiest or even ideal set-up for many of us.

It is not unusual for children to spend time out of the family home with friends or relatives.

For a million and one reasons, these stays can go on for longer periods than originally planned.

But did you know that if a child of under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) stays for 28 days or more with someone who's not a close relative, this counts as a private fostering arrangement?

The council must be notified of these situations by the child's parents, for the protection of the children and young people concerned. This is a legal obligation to parents, who remain responsible for their children.

Once the council has been made aware of the arrangement, a social worker will visit the family home; this is simply to check that the child or young person is:

• being given regular meals
• in good health
• dressed in clean clothes
• going to school
• staying in touch with their family and friends
• given access to their cultural traditions, including religion.

It's always best to be sure of your rights, even if you're 100 per cent happy with your foster carer. Your carer cannot:

• move you to live with another family
• change your name
• arrange for you to be married
• prevent you from contacting your family
• move you to live permanently abroad

Further information and contact details

Private foster-carers, parents or those being fostered can contact their Newham local service centre or telephone 020 8430 2000.

If you are being privately fostered and wish to discuss anything that is happening to you, speak to your social worker, teacher or school nurse. Or talk to:

Children's Legal Centre - 0845 120 3747 www.childrenslegalcentre.com or Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk.